Posada, Pastorella, and Pinata

Spanish teacher Haymée Giuliani makes sure that her students study the three "P's" as well as the three "R's" during Advent. Dressed as shepherds, the Holy Family, and devils, the students make a journey commemorative of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem (the Posada). After arriving, they perform a Nativity play for the sisters, accompanied by the Trinity Band (the Pastorella). Finally, they bring a Piñata for the sisters to crack. The seven stars on the piñata represent the seven deadly sins. When we conquer them, God pours down his graces (the candy) over us. The sisters enjoy the pastorella every year, but this year was special--since it occurred, not only on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, but also on Sister Rosalie Ruesewald's birthday.